Proverbs 3:3–4: Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.
Insight
“Mercy” is loving–kindness. The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. What is loving–kindness? It is grace; it is more than kindness. The teacher asked a little girl the difference between kindness and loving–kindness. The little girl answered, “Well, if you go in and ask your mama for a piece of bread with some butter on it, and she gives it to you, that’s kindness. But if she puts a little jam on it without your asking her, that is loving–kindness.” My friend, God puts a little jam on it for us—loving–kindness and truth, let not these forsake thee: “bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart.” 1
Application
Many people find their identity in wearing the latest fashions. Especially if it has a distinguished brand label that everyone can see. It means you not only look “real good,” but you also paid big bucks to make a big statement. The Lord teaches us that mercy and truth are always “in vogue.” It is Your designer wear that is worth wearing. Instead of trying to impress people, how about just trying to live in a right relationship with Him. Make that your aim today.
Motivation
And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ Luke 18:13
When we are humble enough to ask for His mercy, He is gracious enough to also include the truth. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving me a daily portion of mercy and truth and love.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
